Scattergood, John Robert 1934-2016

John passed away peacefully in his own home as he wished with his wife, Doreen by his side around 11:30pm on December 19, 2016. He enjoyed the beautiful views from the many windows in their great room watching his beloved birds feed in the garden with the mountains in the background sometimes covered in snow.
He was born in Maxstoke, Coleshill, Warwickshire, England, to Charles and Mildred Scattergood. He grew up in England during WWII in Coventry during the Blitz. When bombing exploded too close they moved back to Maxstoke in the countryside. He attended Coventry Technical while under a five year apprenticeship at Jaguar Cars, his favorite part being a road test driver. Later taking delight in teaching his children how to drive and handle a car! John was very pleased to be part of the pit crew at Silverstone Racetrack when they raced the Jaguars.

In 1952, while on vacation in Clacton-on-the-Sea, John met the love of his life, Doreen Rayment, at age 17. After a four year courtship they were married on July 7, 1956. That August, he started the required two years National Service in the Royal Air Force serving as a Mechanical Engineer. After completion, he returned to Jaguar Cars for a few years then went to work at Standard Triumph. John and Doreen lived in Coventry when Elaine, Ian and Philip were born. Then moved to a little village called Ullesthorpe, near Leicester, where Karen was born.

In 1965, they emigrated to California, USA landing in Los Angeles for six months before moving to San Diego, Santee and El Cajon.

John worked at NASSCO for 28 years. He was supervisor of Machine Shop Inside Repair and later worked as supervisor of Repair Contracts Estimating. John, Doreen and Elaine became proud Americans on April 27, 1984. At age 57 he took an early retirement in January 1994. Doreen worked at General Dynamics for 15 years retiring in September 1994. John and Doreen then proceeded to travel the world. They loved traveling in their motorhome through 48 states and every province in Canada. They cruised to Alaska and Hawaii. They cruised all over Europe, Mediterranean, South America, Caribbean and the British Isles. Also went to New Zealand and Malta. Some favorite places being Vienna, Austria; Switzerland, France and Norway.

John was very proud of all four of his children: Elaine (Scott), Ian (Stephanie), Phil (Rebecca) and Karen. They all owned businesses of their own at one time. John was happy that he had grandchildren: Shawn, Nicholas, Tyler, Justin, Char and Crystal. John leaves behind one sister, Pamela who married Doreen’s brother, John and they live in Clacton. So glad Pam and John were able to visit us all this past month of September. John was loved and respected by all and shall be missed tremendously. Happy memories will keep love alive. A celebration of life is to be held at the family home Saturday, January 21st at 2pm.

Published in The San Diego Union Tribune on Jan. 20, 2017 – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sandiegouniontribune/obituary.aspx?n=john-robert-scattergood&pid=183658305&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.hTOH5CLG.dpuf